What is Hypoallergenic Formula If you see the term “hypoallergenic” on the label, this means that it contains a partially hydrolyzed formula, which has been proven to cause fewer allergies in babies than standard formulas. Since, by definition, the term “allergy” implies a sensitivity to a protein, the term “hypoallergenic” means that the protein in […]
ASTHMA: IT’S NOT ALL JUST ABOUT THE INHALERS
Are inhalers the best solution? One of the aspects of asthma and allergy treatment we discuss in The Allergy Book is the important of lifestyle changes. Inhalers certainly help reduce asthma symptoms when needed, but to solve some of the more underlying causes requires a deeper level of intervention that doesn’t always have to involve […]
Cutting Edge Treatment for Severe Asthma
It’s allergy season again, and those who suffer from severe allergic asthma now have a new option for treatment for severe asthma. Omalizumab is a cutting-edge therapy that offers hope for asthma sufferers who don’t find adequate relief from standard medications. This medical breakthrough is not a medication; it’s a manufactured antibody that inactivates a […]
Where in the Body Do Most Allergies Begin?
The answer might surprise you. It’s allergy season again. Noses are dripping, eyes are watering, skin is itching, and lungs are wheezing all across America. And many people have the misconception that allergies are primarily controlled by these body parts where the reactions occur. Yet, allergies and allergic disorders are much more complex than that, and […]
Testing for Food Allergies
At present there are no medical tests for food allergies that are more accurate than the detective work of a parent who is a keen observer and accurate recorder. In most cases, a carefully done elimination diet will uncover what the allergy is to. Your doctor or allergist can help by performing one or both […]
Is Your Child Too Sick for Daycare?
How to Tell if Your Baby is Too Sick for Daycare It’s seven in the morning and family rush hour begins. The tea kettle is whistling, the toaster’s popping, and the traffic report is the usual bad news. Enter a whine that will turn your already overbooked day upside down. By reflex you lay hands […]
Chickenpox Vaccine
Q&A about the Chickenpox Vaccine Learn the answers to commonly asked questions about the chickenpox vaccine. Click here to learn more about the chickenpox virus. Should my child get the chickenpox vaccine? Yes. Chickenpox is more of a nuisance than just an itchy night or spotted child. It’s a miserable week for the whole family. Children […]
Summertime Illnesses
Most Common Summertime Illnesses Most people recognize winter as cold and flu season, spring as allergy season, and fall as back-to-school strep throat and cold season. What about summer? Is this the season when illnesses take a vacation too and leave our kids alone for a few months? That would be nice! There are, unfortunately, […]
Young Wheezer
“First, thank you for the informative web site! I absolutely love the E-newsletters and learn so much more than I do at the doctor’s office. Perhaps I need to look for a different doctor. 😉 My question: I have 3-year-old boy who has been wheezing a lot this summer. Around February he had difficulty breathing. […]
Soy: Good or Bad?
“Hi there, I have heard that soy products are not good for infants and toddlers because of the high level of hormones and estrogen that are in them. Does this have any merit?” Soy contains substances called isoflavones (specifically genistein and daidzein) that are similar to the hormone called estrogen. These “phyto-estrogens” (meaning “plant-based estrogens”) […]
Long Term Antihistamine Use
“My son was diagnosed with several food allergies – dairy, wheat, eggs and peanuts when he was 1-year-old. We have kept him completely away from these foods since then. He is now 3-years-old. He did very well until he was 2 years and 3 months. His sleep improved vastly. However 8 months ago his sleep […]
Drug Recall: Phenylpropanolamine
“I have received the e-mail listed below several times from family and friends. Have you heard anything about this major Drug Recall? All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE are being recalled.” Yes, this drug recall actually happened in 2003, but this e-mail warning is still floating around. PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE (PPA) a decongestant, has been […]